Weather
Maine Thanksgiving Weather Alert: Rain or Snow Possible Nov. 22-28
Portland, ME – Maine residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter changing weather conditions during the November 22 28 period, with rain, snow and potentially icy cond
By Paige Sullivan · 2026-11-14T22:41:25.521Z
Portland, ME – Maine residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter changing weather conditions during the November 22 28 period, with rain, snow and potentially icy conditions worth monitoring as the holiday approaches.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NOAA Climate Prediction Center, updated outlooks issued Saturday, November 14, favor above normal temperatures and precipitation across Maine during the eight to 14 day forecast period.
The precipitation outlook places Maine in the 33% to 40% probability category for above normal precipitation, suggesting a slightly increased likelihood of wetter than average conditions during Thanksgiving week.
Meanwhile, the temperature outlook indicates a stronger probability of above normal temperatures, generally reaching the 60% to 70% range across much of Maine.
Could Maine See Snow or Freezing Rain?
Despite the warmer temperature outlook, snow cannot be ruled out, particularly across northern Maine, higher elevations and interior communities where colder conditions can develop.
Rain could be more common during milder periods, while snow or freezing rain would depend on the timing of precipitation and whether temperatures fall near or below freezing.
However, NOAA's outlook does not specifically forecast snow, freezing rain or a winter storm. It identifies broader temperature and precipitation trends rather than individual weather systems.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday Travel Outlook
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, followed by Black Friday on November 27.
Travelers along Interstate 95, Interstate 295 and routes connecting Portland, Augusta, Bangor and northern Maine should monitor updated forecasts as the holiday approaches.
The outlook does not establish whether hazardous travel conditions will occur on either holiday.
More detailed forecasts expected in the coming days should help determine whether rain, accumulating snow or icy roads become concerns.
For now, Maine residents should prepare for potentially unsettled holiday weather while recognizing that specific storm threats remain uncertain.